Rochester Brides & Grooms Issue 52 November 2017 - May 2018 - Page 21

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Continued from Page 19
Before you make an appointment
• Have photos of the gowns you are considering. If you are trying on
gowns, have your photo taken from multiple angles. If you have
discovered some gowns online that you are considering, go to the
designers’/manufacturer’s website for photos.
• Know the details of the gowns: layers of hems; beading
and other “bling”; petticoat, if any, and how many layers to
that; any special design detail that is what makes that gown
appeal to you and that you would want retained; a special
design feature that the gown doesn’t have and you would
like added (i.e., sweetheart neckline, sleeves or straps,
corseted back closure).
• Will you need it hemmed? Is there a train and will you
want it bustled? When you contact seamstresses, be able
to send them your pictures and a best-guess idea of the
alterations you might be needing. Know that over-the-phone
estimates are just that - estimates. A true price
Fo
xP
quote can not be done without actually
ho
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o
by: l o
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seeing the gown and knowing what needs
r ia n
ra p hy
de
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to be done. An afternoon of pinning and
rin
.
marking that doesn’t result in a sale can cost
you a consultation charge; you can avoid this if
you provide your seamstress with as much information as
possible.
Types of Alterations
Typical alterations are hems and bustles. There are,
occasionally, bodice redesigns, take-ins or let-outs. Some
brides want their gown converted to a lace-up bodice
rather than utilizing the zipper. Some brides want a
sweetheart neckline created where one doesn’t exist.
Be aware that the more layers there are to a gown,
the more expensive the cost will be. Each layer needs
to be carefully measured, marked and basted for a fitting
appointment before any final work is done. Then there are
layers to petticoats that may have to be considered. Tulle and
net layers on a petticoat are usually 3-4 times the circumference of
the actual gown. It can take a couple of hours to hem a petticoat with
multiple layers of netting.
Ask Questions
Weddings are large-scale events. Laying the best groundwork for success requires choosing
the professionals that will work best for you and with you. Interview them, learn their
philosophy and business practices and, of course, their expectations for payment before
making extravagant purchases that cannot be canceled and laying down deposits that will
not be returned. You will have a much happier, more memorable experience in the creation
of your once-in-a-lifetime event!
November - May 2018 • RochesterBride.com
21